THE MATCHING GAME

The Matching Game

The Problem: Oftentimes a manufacturer is aware of a contaminant in their finished product and might suspect its source. In this instance, a major supplier of fine papers submitted a sample of paper containing a recurring black smear and a container with a very fine black dust. The professionals at SGS-IPS Testing Experts were asked, “Are the streaks on the paper and the material in the container the same?”

The Analysis: Light microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) resulted in the following observations: 1) both materials are magnetic, 2) both materials are similar in size, color, morphology and luster, and 3) both materials are composed of iron and silicon in similar ratios. In short, the answer was “Yes!” The client was now armed with the information necessary to take corrective action.

Conclusion: The scientists at SGS-IPS Testing routinely solve problems of this nature. How many small problems are you trying to second-guess at your facility, waiting for something to make sense? Let us help you make sense of things, quickly and efficiently.